The 2025 NFL Draft is now in the books, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have made their selections. Given its large importance, the NFL Draft always generates significant anticipation and discussion. Numerous individuals, from insiders to fans, offer their perspectives and predictions. Heading into this year's draft, many speculated about the Steelers' first-round focus, specifically since they didn't have a second-round pick following the offseason acquisition of veteran receiver DK Metcalf.
Associated Press
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf speaks while getting introduced to the Pittsburgh media.
Ultimately, the Steelers used their valuable first-round pick to strengthen their defense, selecting defensive tackle Derrick Harmon from the University of Oregon. However, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac shared on The Rich Eisen Show that if Harmon hadn't been available, the team's focus would have shifted away from defense, and he revealed both the position and specific player names they were considering.
"They [Steelers] were prepared to go running back... it was going to be Omarion Hampton and/or TreVeyon Henderson," Dulac shared.
The Las Vegas Raiders' sixth overall selection of running back Ashton Jeanty wasn't a shock to the Steelers, according to Dulac, as they had assumed he would be gone by their turn. The back up plan being a running back makes sense, considering the Steelers were in the market for one after their former starter, Najee Harris, signed with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason. The Steelers' need arose after they chose not to exercise the fifth-year option on Harris' contract.
In the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers added an exciting running back in Iowa's Kaleb Johnson. Known for his powerful, patient, and decisive one-cut running style, Johnson possesses good vision and a strong frame. He's a good fit for zone-blocking schemes, where he can effectively read blocks and reach the second level. Though not known for elusiveness, Johnson can use his size and strength to break tackles and is also capable of catching passes out of the backfield.
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Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson running in open field during a collegiate game with Iowa.
The other running backs mentioned by Dulac were quickly drafted following the Steelers' selection of Harmon. Omarion Hampton, a powerful back out of the University of North Carolina, was taken 22nd overall by the Chargers—making him a teammate of Harris. Just one pick after the Steelers, Hampton didn’t stay on the board long. TreVeyon Henderson, a running back from Ohio State University and former teammate of the Steelers’ sixth-round pick quarterback Will Howard, was selected 38th overall by the Indianapolis Colts.
Dulac notes that this was the Steelers’ backup plan in case Hampton or certain defensive linemen were unavailable. He emphasized how important it was for the team to address their aging defensive line, especially with such a strong talent pool in this draft. The Steelers had their eyes on Harmon, Kenneth Grant, and Walter Nolen. However, both Grant and Nolen were off the board early—Grant at 13th overall and Nolen at 16th. That doesn’t mean Harmon was a fallback option; the Steelers would have been thrilled with any of the three, and Harmon just happened to be the one still available.
The Steelers Look Ahead To The 2025 NFL Season
With the 2025 NFL Draft now in the books, the Steelers are shifting their focus toward the upcoming NFL season. While the draft brought in fresh talent and addressed key roster needs, the work is far from over. The next step in the offseason process is Organized Team Activities, commonly known as OTAs. These sessions are a vital part of team development, providing players with the opportunity to sharpen their skills, get familiar with the playbook, and build chemistry with teammates and coaches.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin during 2024 OTAs.
For the rookies in particular, OTAs are an essential introduction to the professional level. It’s their first real chance to experience the culture and expectations within the Steelers organization. Beyond learning schemes and techniques, these practices help young players adjust to the pace of the NFL and begin forming the bonds that are crucial to team success. As the team prepares for training camp and, ultimately, the regular season, these offseason workouts play a key role in laying the foundation for what they hope will be a productive and competitive 2025 season.
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